Modiwl OSX-4012:
Practical Oceanography-PO

Overview

Practical experience gained of

• Offshore data collection: e.g. filtering water samples for suspended particulate matter and chlorophyll.
• Offshore data processing, data integration (data from ADCP, CTD, transmissometer etc.), report writing and scientific discussion on oceanographic processes
• Geographical Information System (GIS) software and MatLab

Classroom activities:

• Short course on GIS, geodesy and positioning
• Short course on ocean acoustics and remote sensing techniques
• Short course on numerical modelling

Assessment Strategy

Threshold Grades C- to C+ Performs only the basic processing necessary to display the survey data. Little or no wider interpretation or critical appraisal of the techniques employed. No consideration of the errors associated with the data. Tender document and interview reveals only the barest ideas of how to address the offshore site investigation problem given.

Good Grades B- to B+ Performs most of the processing necessary to display the survey data in the most meaningful way. Some attempt at interpretation and critical appraisal of the techniques employed. Consideration of the errors associated with the data, but incomplete appreciation of the implications of such errors. Tender document and interview reveals competency in terms of addressing the offshore site investigation problem given.

Excellent Grade A- or better Performs all the processing necessary to display the survey data and does so in novel ways. Wide ranging interpretation and thorough critical appraisal of the techniques employed. Consideration of the errors associated with the data and an appreciation of the implications of such errors to the final outcomes of the survey. Tender document and interview reveals thorough competency in terms of addressing the offshore site investigation problem given.

Learning Outcomes

• Conduct a range of Oceanographic and Geoscience surveys from the point of acquisition to the reporting stage.

• Critically analyse the underpinning acoustic theory and models used for interpretation

• Develop computer programs (and/or spreadsheets) to gain experience in developing computer solutions to practical problems

• Process and interpret the data sets acquired, via an integrated Geographic Information System

• Signal process and interpret acoustic Doppler current data, identifying signals of different frequency and forcing